In an attempt to assess them before the ODI World Cup in India next month, Bangladesh played a reserve eleven against New Zealand yesterday. However, the opening match of the three-match ODI series was canceled due to continuous rain.
After the first rain-induced pause, the match was downsized to a 42-over-a-side competition. Rain again interrupted play after New Zealand had reached 136 for five in 33.4 overs. The match could not be continued.
Seven regular starters, including regular captain Shakib Al Hasan, are out of the Tigers lineup for the series, which is led by stand-in captain Liton Das.
However, Tamim Iqbal played his first game for Bangladesh in August after quitting as captain, while Mahmudullah Riyad, another seasoned player, returned to the team after being benched in March.
Yesterday, Bangladesh dominated, with to early wickets from Mustafizur Rahman against Finn Allen and Chad Bowes. In addition, Mustafizur broke a 97-run partnership between Will Young and Henry Nicholls. Nasum then claimed two wickets to regain Bangladesh’s advantage in the match.